Performance Of Piglets Research Articles

Effects of Core Antigen Bacterin with an Immunostimulant on Piglet Health and Performance Outcomes When Challenged with Enteric and Respiratory Pathogens.

A total of 90 pigs, approximately one day of age, were used in a 42-day study to evaluate whether Endovac-Porci, a core antigen vaccine with an immunostimulant, provides piglets with broad-spectrum protection against the enteric and respiratory effects of Gram-negative bacteria. This study was a single-site, randomized, prospective, blinded, comparative placebo-controlled design. Individual pigs were randomly allocated to 1 of 2 treatments in a randomized design. An individual pig was considered the experimental unit for the farrowing phase (Study day 0 to 21), and the pen was considered the experimental unit for the nursery phase (Study day 21 to 42). Thus, there were 45 replications per treatment during the farrowing phase and 15 replications per treatment during the nursery phase. Treatments included a control product (saline; CP) and an investigational product (Endovac-Porci; IVP). On Study day 23, all pigs were challenged with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli strain expressing K88 (F4) fimbriae and Pasteurella multocida. Individual pigs were weighed and feed consumption was measured to determine body weight gain, average daily gain, and feed-to-gain ratio. Clinical and fecal scores and overall health were recorded daily. Overall, administering the IVP to pigs led to an increase (p < 0.01) in body weight gain and average daily gain compared to pigs administered the CP. Pigs administered the IVP had reduced (p < 0.01) mortality compared to pigs administered the CP. There was a Study day × treatment interaction on clinical and fecal scores (p < 0.01). There was also a main effect of Study day where clinical and fecal scores increased (p < 0.01) as the Study day increased. Treatment also had an effect on clinical and fecal scores, where pigs administered the IVP had lower (p < 0.01) clinical and fecal scores compared to pigs administered the CP. In conclusion, administering pigs with the Endovac-Porci vaccination significantly improved the performance (i.e., body weight, body weight gain, and average daily gain) and health (i.e., clinical and fecal scores), while reducing the overall mortality in pigs challenged with E. coli K88 orally and Pasteurella multocida intranasally post-weaning. Results from this study suggest that Endovac-Porci could provide broad-spectrum protection against enteric and respiratory effects of Gram-negative bacteria in piglets.

Supplemental Clostridium butyricum modulates lipid metabolism by reshaping the gut microbiota composition and bile acid profile in IUGR suckling piglets

BackgroundIntrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) can cause lipid disorders in infants and have long-term adverse effects on their growth and development. Clostridium butyricum (C. butyricum), a kind of emerging probiotics, has been reported to effectively attenuate lipid metabolism dysfunctions. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of C. butyricum supplementation on hepatic lipid disorders in IUGR suckling piglets.MethodsSixteen IUGR and eight normal birth weight (NBW) neonatal male piglets were used in this study. From d 3 to d 24, in addition to drinking milk, the eight NBW piglets (NBW-CON group, n = 8) and eight IUGR piglets (IUGR-CON group, n = 8) were given 10 mL sterile saline once a day, while the remaining IUGR piglets (IUGR-CB group, n = 8) were orally administered C. butyricum at a dose of 2 × 108 colony-forming units (CFU)/kg body weight (suspended in 10 mL sterile saline) at the same frequency.ResultsThe IUGR-CON piglets exhibited restricted growth, impaired hepatic morphology, disordered lipid metabolism, increased abundance of opportunistic pathogens and altered ileum and liver bile acid (BA) profiles. However, C. butyricum supplementation reshaped the gut microbiota of the IUGR-CB piglets, characterized by a decreased abundance of opportunistic pathogens in the ileum, including Streptococcus and Enterococcus. The decrease in these bile salt hydrolase (BSH)-producing microbes increased the content of conjugated BAs, which could be transported to the liver and function as signaling molecules to activate liver X receptor α (LXRα) and farnesoid X receptor (FXR). This activation effectively accelerated the synthesis and oxidation of fatty acids and down-regulated the total cholesterol level by decreasing the synthesis and promoting the efflux of cholesterol. As a result, the growth performance and morphological structure of the liver improved in the IUGR piglets.ConclusionThese results indicate that C. butyricum supplementation in IUGR suckling piglets could decrease the abundance of BSH-producing microbes (Streptococcus and Enterococcus). This decrease altered the ileum and liver BA profiles and consequently activated the expression of hepatic LXRα and FXR. The activation of these two signaling molecules could effectively normalize the lipid metabolism and improve the growth performance of IUGR suckling piglets.

Supplementation of Bacillus subtilis DSM 32540 improves performance and intestinal health of weaned pigs fed diets containing different fiber sources

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary Bacillus subtilis DSM 32540 supplementation with or without different fiber sources for piglets. A total of 150 piglets (7.20 ± 0.98 kg) weaned at 21 days old were assigned to one of five treatments in a randomized block design, with ten replicates and 3 piglets per pen. Treatments consisted of negative control (NC, without ZnO and amoxicillin), positive control (PC, with ZnO and amoxicillin), NC + 0.5 g/kg of probiotic (PRO), NC + 0.5 g/kg probiotic + 5 g/kg cellulose as IDF + 5 g/kg inulin as SDF (PROCI), and NC + 0.5 g/kg probiotic + 50 g/kg wheat bran (PROWB). From D0 to D14 and D0 to D28, piglets fed NC or PROWB had the lowest (P < 0.01) average daily gain (ADG) and final body weight (BW), while piglets fed PRO and PROCI had similar ADG and BW to those fed PC. From D0 to D14, piglets fed PRO and PC had lower (P < 0.01) feed conversion ratio (FCR) than those fed NC. From D0 to D28, piglets fed PROWB and NC had the highest (P < 0.01) FCR, while there was no difference in FCR among PC, PRO and PROCI groups. Piglets fed PRO, PROCI and PROWB had lower (P < 0.001) diarrhea incidence than those fed NC. Piglets fed PC, PRO and PROCI and those fed PRO and PROWB had higher (P < 0.01) duodenum and jejunum villus heights and villus to crypt ratios, respectively, than those fed NC. Piglets fed NC had the highest (P = 0.045) serum DAO content, and no difference was observed among groups PC, PRO, PROCI and PROWB on serum concentration of DAO. In conclusion, B. subtilis DSM 32,540 supplementation improves performance of piglets fed diets with or without pure fiber sources. In addition, regardless of the fiber source, B. subtilis DSM 32,540 reduces diarrhea incidence and improves intestinal morphology and integrity of nursery piglets.

Dietary glutathione supplementation attenuates oxidative stress and improves intestinal barrier in diquat-treated weaned piglets

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of glutathione (GSH) against oxidative stress and intestinal barrier disruption caused by diquat (an oxidative stress inducer) in weaned piglets. Twenty-four piglets were randomly assigned to four treatments with six pigs per treatment for an 18-d trial. Treatments were basal diet, basal diet + diquat challenge, 50 mg/kg GSH diets + diquat challenge and 100 mg/kg GSH diets + diquat challenge. On day 15, piglets in basal diet group and diquat-challenged groups were intraperitoneally injected with sterile saline and diquat at 10 mg/kg body weight, respectively. The results showed that GSH supplementation improved growth performance of diquat-injected piglets from days 15 to 18 (p < 0.05), especially at a dose of 100 mg/kg GSH. Meanwhile, diquat also caused oxidative stress and intestinal barrier damage in piglets. However, GSH supplementation enhanced the antioxidant capacity of serum and jejunum, as evidenced by the increase in GSH content and total superoxide dismutase activities and the decrease in 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine concentrations (p < 0.05). GSH also up-regulated the mRNA expressions of intestinal tight junction protein (zonula occludens 1, ZO1; occludin, OCLN; claudin-1, CLDN1) and mitochondrial biogenesis and function (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1 alpha, PGC1α; mitochondrial transcription factor A, TFAM; cytochrome c, CYCS), compared with diquat-challenged piglets in basal diet (p < 0.05). Thus, the study demonstrates that GSH protects piglets from oxidative stress caused by diquat and 100 mg/kg GSH has a better protective role.

Effects of Extruded Corn with Different Gelatinization Degrees on Feed Preference, Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, and Fecal Microbiota of Weaning Piglets.

Preference and performance trials were conducted to investigate the effects of extruded corn with different degrees of gelatinization on the feed preference, growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and fecal microbiota of weaning piglets. In the preference trial, 144 piglets who were 35 days old were weighed and allotted to six treatments with four replications per treatment. Piglets in each treatment group were allowed to choose two of the following four corn-supplemented diets: conventional corn (NC) or extruded corn with low (LEC; 41.82% gelatinization), medium (MEC; 62.60% gelatinization), or high (HEC; 89.93% gelatinization) degrees of gelatinization for 18 days. The results showed that the piglets preferred diets supplemented with a low degree of gelatinization of extruded corn. In the performance trial, 144 piglets who were 35 days old were weighed and allotted into four treatments with six replications per treatment. Piglets in each treatment were fed one of the four diets for 28 days. The results showed that LEC and MEC decreased the feed:gain ratio at 14-28 days and 0-28 days, respectively, and increased the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of crude protein compared with NC. Meanwhile, LEC increased the total protein and globulin content in the plasma on day 14, and MEC increased the ATTD of ether extract (EE) compared with NC. Extruded corn with low and medium degrees of gelatinization increased the abundance of Bacteroidetes at the phylum level and Lactobacillus, Alloprevotella, Prevotellaceae_UCG-03, and Prevotella_2 at the genus level. The results showed that extruded corn can improve feed preference, increase growth performance and nutrient digestibility, and modify gut microbiota, and the ideal degree of gelatinization is approximately 41.82-62.60%.

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 40 regulates piglet performance, antioxidant capacity, immune status and gut microbiota.

Probiotics can improve animal growth performance and intestinal health. Bacillus species, Lactobacillus species, Bifidobacterium species, yeast etc. are the common types of probiotics. However, understanding the effects of probiotics on the immune status and gut microbiota of weaning piglets and how the probiotics exert their impact are still limited. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 40 (BA40) on the performance, immune status and gut microbiota of piglets. A total of 12 litters of newborn piglets were randomly divided into 3 groups. Piglets in control group were orally dosed with phosphate buffered saline; BA40 group and probiotics group were orally gavaged with resuspension BA40 and a probiotics product, respectively. The results showed that BA40 treatment significantly decreased (P<0.05) the diarrhea incidence (from d 5 to 40), diamine oxidase, D-lactate, interleukin (IL)-1β and interferon-γ concentrations compared with control group and probiotics group. Meanwhile BA40 dramatically increased the total antioxidant capacity, IL-10 and secretoryimmunoglobulin-A concentrations in contrast to control group. For the microbial composition, BA40 modulated the microbiota by improving the abundance of Bacteroides, Phascolarctobacterium (producing short-chain fatty acids) and Desulfovibrio and reducing the proliferation of pathogens (Streptococcus, Tyzzerella, Vellionella and paraeggerthella). Meanwhile, a metabolic function prediction explained that carbohydrate metabolism and amino acid metabolism enriched in BA40 group in contrast to control group and probiotics group. For correlation analysis, the results demonstrated that BA40-enriched Phascolarctobacterium and Desulfovibrio provide insights into strategies for elevating the health status and performance of weaned piglets. Altogether, BA40 exerted stronger ability in decreasing diarrhea incidence and improved antioxidant activity, gut barrier function and immune status of piglets than the other treatments. Our study provided the experimental and theoretical basis for the application of BA40 in pig production.

Supplementing oat hulls to the diet of suckling piglets altered their intestinal tract and colonic microbiota development.

Current study evaluated the effect of a fine and coarsely ground insoluble dietary fibre source on the gastrointestinal development of suckling pigs. Oat hulls (OH) were selected as a model feedstuff, rich in cellulose, lignin, and insoluble dietary fibre. Three experimental supplemental diets were formulated: a finely ground, low fibre and nutrient dense diet served as control (CON). For the 2 high fibre diets, 15% heat-treated starch in CON was exchanged with OH, either finely (OH-f) or coarsely ground (OH-c). Litters of 10 primi- and multiparous sows (mean litter size 14.6±0.84) were used. Within a litter, experimental diets were allotted to triplets of 4 piglets. From approximately 12d of age, piglets' individual feed intakes were recorded 2 times per day when separated from their dam for 70min. Piglets could suckle with their dam for the remainder of the day. On d 24 and 25, from the total pool of 120 piglets, seven healthy well-eating piglets per treatment were selected for post-mortem evaluation, resulting in 14 replicates per treatment. Consumption of OH-c and OH-f did not impede clinical health and production performance of piglets. The full stomach weights tended to be greater for OH-c compared to OH-f whereas CON was intermediate (P=0.083). Supplementing OH significantly increased ileal villus height and caecal dry matter concentration (P<0.05). For the colon, OH increased its length, contents weight, short-chain fatty acid concentration and reduced total bacterial count as well as γ-proteobacteria count and proportion (P<0.05). The OH-c treatment specifically increased full gastrointestinal tract weight and caecum contents weight compared to piglets fed CON and OH-f. Furthermore, OH-c reduced colonic crypt depth when compared to OH-f (P=0.018). In conclusion, supplementing OH to a diet for suckling piglets exerted subtle developmental effects on gastrointestinal morphology and colonic microbial community. These effects were largely independent from the particle size of the OH.

Decreasing the level of hemicelluloses in sow’s lactation diet affects the milk composition and post-weaning performance of low birthweight piglets

Hemicelluloses (HC) are polysaccharides constituents of the cell walls of plants. They are fermented in the gut to produce volatile fatty acids (VFA). The present study investigated the effects of decreasing HC level in a sow’s lactation diet on sow performances, offspring development and milk composition. From 110 days (d) of gestation until weaning (26 ± 0.4 d post-farrowing), 40 Swiss Large White sows were assigned to one of the four dietary treatments: (1) T13 (HC: 127 g/kg), (2) T11 (HC: 114 g/kg), (3) T9 (HC: 94 g/kg) and (4) T8 (HC: 80 g/kg). Milk was collected at 3 and 17d of lactation. At birth, piglets were divided into two groups according to their birthweight (BtW): normal (N-BtW; BtW >1.20 kg) or low (L-BtW; BtW ≤1.20 kg). Decreased HC levels in the maternal diet linearly increased (p ≤ .05) the body weight of L-BtW piglets at two weeks post-weaning and linearly decreased (p ≤ .05) diarrhoea incidence and duration in this category. The concentrations of copper, threonine and VFA, as well as the proportion of butyrate, in milk linearly increased (p ≤ .05), whereas lactose content linearly decreased (p ≤ .05) with decreased HC in the maternal diet. The present study provides evidence that decreasing HC level in a sow’s lactation diet can positively affect the composition and VFA profile of milk and ultimately favour the growth and health of L-BtW piglets. Highlights The results of this study showed that decreasing the level of hemicelluloses in a sow’s lactation diet modified milk composition and had positive effects on the post-weaning performance of low birthweight piglets. This study highlighted the role of dietary fibres in the maternal diet to alleviate body weight variations at two weeks post-weaning. Nevertheless, before advising pig producers, further research should elucidate the optimal level of hemicelluloses for lactating sows.

Effect of two milk supplements and two ways of administration on growth performance, welfare and fecal microbial ecology of suckling piglets.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of two MS formulas, DanMilk™ (AB Neo, Denmark) (MS1) and Neopigg® RescueMilk (Provimi, Netherlands) (MS2) administered manually and to compare two ways of administration (manual vs automatic) of MS1 on growth performance, health, fecal microbial profile, behavior, and skin lesions of piglets during suckling and post-weaning. Forty litters (528 piglets) were divided into 4 groups: 1) Control group receiving no MS (CON); 2) MS1 administered automatically (A-MS1); 3) MS1 administered manually (Ma-MS1) 4) MS2 administered manually (Ma-MS2). All groups had access to sow milk and creep feed. On day 5 after birth (d0), litters were equalized (13.2 piglets/litter ± 0.8 SD), thereafter no cross-fostering was allowed. Piglets were weighed at day 5 after birth (d0), at the end of milk supplementation (d14), at weaning (d21 of the trial, 26 days of age) and ten days post-weaning (d31). Piglet welfare was assessed using behavioral and lesion measures at d4 and d10. Feces were collected at d14 and d21. During the suckling period, A-MS1 had lowest mortality (p < 0.05), while Ma-MS1 had lower mortality compared with CON and Ma-MS2 (p < 0.05). Negative social behavior at d4, was more frequent in MS groups (A-MS1, Ma-MS1, Ma-MS2) compared to CON group (p = 0.03). Growth performance and lesion prevalence were not affected by MS provision. During lactation, Ma-MS2 group had a higher percentage of piglets not eating during suckling at d18 compared with Ma-MS1 (p = 0.03). MS1 increased microbial diversity compared with CON at d14 (Chao1, p = 0.02; Shannon, p = 0.03) and compared with CON (Shannon, p < 0.05; InvSimpson, p = 0.01) and Ma-MS2 (Chao1, p < 0.05; Shannon, p = 0.05, InvSimpson p = 0.01) at d21. Groups that received MS1 were characterized by genera producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), i.e., Lachnospiraceae (A-MS1) and Oscillospiraceae (Ma-MS1). MS composition and availability can contribute to reduce piglet's mortality during the suckling phase and can also affect intestinal microbiota by favoring the presence of SCFAs producing bacteria.

Efficacy of dietary vitamin D3 and 25(OH)D3 on reproductive capacities, growth performance, immunity and bone development in pigs.

Vitamin D3 (Vit D3) and 25(OH)D3 are used as dietary sources of active vitamin D (1,25(OH)2D3) in pig husbandry. Although acting primarily on intestine, kidney and bone, their use in pig nutrition has shown a wide range of effects also in peripheral tissues. However, there is an ambiguity in the existing literature about whether the effects of Vit D3 and 25(OH)D3 differ in attributing the molecular and phenotypic outcomes in pigs. We searched Web of Science and PubMed databases concerning the efficacy of Vit D3 in comparison with 25(OH)D3 on pig physiology, i.e. reproductive capacities, growth performance, immunity and bone development. Dietary intake of Vit D3 or 25(OH)D3 did not influence the reproductive capacity of sows. Unlike Vit D3, the maternal intake of 25(OH)D3 significantly improved the growth performance of piglets, which might be attributed to maternally induced micronutrient efficiency. Consequently, even in the absence of maternal vitamin D supplementation, 25(OH)D3-fed offspring also demonstrated better growth than the offspring received Vit D3. Moreover, a similar superior impact of 25(OH)D3 was seen with respect to serum markers of innate and humoral immunity. Last but not least, supplements containing 25(OH)D3 were found to be more effective than Vit D3 to improve bone mineralisation and formation, especially in pigs receiving basal diets low in Ca and phosphorus. The insights are of particular value in determining the principal dietary source of vitamin D to achieve its optimum utilisation efficiency, nutritional benefits and therapeutic potency and to further improve animal welfare across different management types.

Short-term effects of dietary selenium on lactating sows to improve litter performance, milk composition and tissue selenium retention in piglets.

This study was conducted to evaluate the short-term effects of dietary selenium supplementation on lactating sows on the physiological response, litter performance, milk composition, and tissue selenium retention in piglets when selenium was provided by different sources and at different levels in a lactation diet. A total of 48 multiparous sows (Yorkshire×Landrace) with average body weight, backfat thickness, and parity were assigned to one of the four treatments with 12 sows per treatment using a 2×2 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design. Inorganic or organic Se sources were added to the diet at 0.30 ppm and 0.50 ppm Se. Treatments were as follows: i) IS30, basal diet + inorganic Se 0.30 ppm; ii) IS50, basal diet + inorganic Se 0.50 ppm; iii) OS30, basal diet + organic Se 0.30 ppm; and iv) OS50: basal diet + organic Se 0.50 ppm. At Day 21 of lactation, a high tendency of litter weight (p = 0.08) and litter weight gain (p = 0.09) were observed when sows were fed an organic Se source. The milk Se concentration in the organic Se treatment was higher than that in the inorganic Se treatment at Day 21 of lactation (p<0.05). The serum Se concentrations of sows and piglets at Day 21 of lactation were significantly higher when lactating sows were fed organic Se instead of inorganic Se (p<0.01). During the suckling period, the kidney and muscle Se concentrations of piglets at Day 21 of lactation were significantly higher when the sow dietary Se source was organic (p<0.05). Liver Se concentrations were affected by Se source and level (p<0.05). This also resulted in an interaction response at 21 days of lactation (p<0.05). The supplementation of dietary organic Se in a lactating diet could improve sow feed consumption, piglet performance, milk Se level, and the Se status of sows and piglets.

Performance and behavior of piglets fed diets with different metabolizable energy levels

This study evaluated the effect of different metabolizable energy (ME) levels in diets on digestibility, performance, and feeding behavior of weaned piglets. A digestibility study to determine ME levels was performed using 12 male piglets with 11.5 ± 0.5 kg body weight (BW), in a cross-over design fed with different ME levels (treatments). In the performance study were used 64 female piglets with 7.5 ± 0.8 kg BW, in a randomized block design with four treatments (3.30, 3.40, 3.50, and 3.60 Mcal.kg-1ME levels), and feeding program with three phases (pre-initial I, pre-initial II, and initial). For feeding behavior, four pens of each treatment were monitored with cameras. The crude-protein digestibility coefficient reduced as dietary ME level increased (P &lt;0.05). In pre-initial I animal performance was not influenced (P &lt;0.05) by ME diet levels, and in the pre-initial II and initial phases, increases in ME caused quadratic (r² 0.99) and linear (r² 0.99) effects on daily feed intake, respectively. When ME levels increased, feed conversion ratio decreased linearly in the pre-initial II phase (r² =0.98), and quadratically in the initial phase (r²= 0.99). The number and duration of feeder visits linearly decreased as the diet energy levels increased (P &lt;0.05). Weaned piglets can regulate feed intake according to dietary ME levels. The performance of weaned piglets can be maintained using diets containing metabolizable energy levels between 3.30 at 3.60 Mcal.ME.kg-1 if the ratio of nutrients to energy is maintained constant.The feed intake behavior of weaned piglets is influenced by increases in dietary metabolizable energy levels evaluated, resulting in fewer and shorter visits to the feeder.

Utilization of Ensiled Taro Mixed With Rice Wine by Product or Fish Meal Fed Basal Diet of Rice Bran on Reproduction and Piglet Performance in Sows in Cambodia

In Cambodia, pig raising plays an important role as it provides meat and also increasing family income. Currently, researchers are trying to find the feeds that focus on using locally available natural resources as animal feeds can be used to reduce the cost of expensive feed on market such as soybean or fish meal. Based on that one experiment was designed and conducted at the campus of Svay Rieng University from 01^st April to 15^th September 2022, sited in NR 1, Sangkat Chek, Svay Rieng City, Svay Rieng Province. The aim of this experiment was to compare the feed intake of sows, the piglet performance in lactation, and the reproductive traits after weaning. Twelve sows were assigned according to Completely Randomized Design (CRD) within 3 treatments and 4 replications. The treatments of experiment were RW0, RWB20, and FM10. The results of the experiment were found that the total of feed intake in dry matter (DM) during pregnancy and lactation, were higher significantly different for the treatment of RWB20 (P < 0.01). There were no effects of all treatments on parameters in total litter size, mortality and total litter size live born of piglet performance at birth, except for total litter weight and mean live weight which was higher significantly different for RWB20 (P < 0.01). Non-significant different among the treatments on parameters in total litter size, mortality and mean piglet live weight at 21 days, except for total litter weight and litter weight change for RWB20 (P<0.01). There were higher significantly different for treatment of RWB20 in total litter size, total litter weight, litter weight change and mean piglet live weight at 45 days (P < 0.01). And there were no effects among the treatments on parameters in weaning to estrus, cycle of reproduction and number of litters per year in reproduction traits. However, length of pregnancy was higher significantly different for RWB20 (P < 0.01). It is concluded that a mixture of ensiled taro (10%) and rice wine by product (20%) were higher increased on feed intake of sows in pregnancy and lactation stages, higher increased on total litter size, total litter weight, litter weight change and mean piglet live weight in lactation period, and better effects on reproductive traits in weaning to estrus, cycle reproduction and number of litters per year. Using protein from a mixture of the ensiled taro and rice wine by product could successfully reduce the cost of pig feeds.

Dietary Alpha-Ketoglutarate Supplementation Improves Bone Growth, Phosphorus Digestion, and Growth Performance in Piglets.

Phosphorus (P) pollution from modern swine production is a major environmental problem. Dietary interventions to promote bone growth can improve the utilization of dietary P, and thereby reduce its emission. Recent in vitro studies have shown that alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) exerts a pro-osteogenic effect on osteoblast cells. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of AKG supplementation on bone growth, P and Ca digestion, and the gut microbial profile in piglets. Thirty-two piglets were randomly assigned into two dietary groups. The piglets were fed a basic diet containing 10 g/kg AKG or 10 g/kg maize starch (control) for 28 days. On days 21-28, titanium dioxide was used as an indicator to determine the apparent digestibility of P. AKG supplementation improved the bone mineral density, length, weight, and geometrical and strength properties of the femur and tibia. Furthermore, AKG supplementation increased apparent ileal and total tract digestibility of P. Colonic microbiota analysis results showed that AKG supplementation increased α-diversity and beneficial bacteria, including Lactobacillus and Clostridium butyricum, and decreased nitrogen fixation and chemoheterotrophy. Together, AKG supplementation improves bone growth, the utilization of dietary P, and the colonic microbial profile, which may provide a nutritional strategy for diminishing P pollution originating from the pig industry.

Effects of β-glucan and vitamin E diet supplementation on the physiological response, litter performance, blood profiles, immune response, and milk composition of lactating sows.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of β-glucan and vitamin E diet supplementation on the physiological response, litter performance, blood profiles, immune response, and milk composition of lactating sows. A total of 50 multiparous F1 sows (Yorkshire × Landrace) with an average body weight (BW) of 233.6 ± 4.30 kg and an average parity of 4.00 ± 0.307 and their litters were used in this experiment. All sows were allotted one of five treatments, taking into consideration BW, backfat thickness, and parity in a completely randomized design with 10 replicates. The experimental diets included a corn-soybean meal-based basal diet with or without 0.1% or 0.2% β-glucan and 110 IU vitamin E/kg diet. All treatments added with β-glucan or vitamin E were statistically higher in the average daily feed intake (ADFI) measurement of lactating sows compared to those of the control (Diet, p<0.01). Additionally, the ADFI of lactating sows was significantly higher in the groups supplemented with 0.1% β-glucan compared to 0.2% β-glucan (BG, p<0.01). There was an increasing trend in piglet weight at weaning (BG, p=0.07), litter weight at the 21st day of lactation (BG, p=0.07) and litter weight gain (BG, p=0.08) in groups supplemented with 0.1% β-glucan. The addition of 110 IU vitamin E/kg diet increased vitamin E concentration significantly in lactating sows (VE, p<0.01) and exhibited a trend for higher concentrations of vitamin E (VE, p=0.09) in piglets. Adding 0.1% β-glucan compared to 0.2% β-glucan induced a decrease in the concentration of TNF-α in lactating sows (BG, p=0.06) and in piglets (BG, p=0.09) on the 21st day of lactation. There were no significant differences in the milk composition of sows. Adding 0.1% β-glucan and 110 IU vitamin E/kg to a lactating sow's diet was beneficial to the growth performance of piglets by leading to an increase in the feed intake of sows and efficiently supplying vitamin E to both the sows and piglets.

Effects of a water-soluble formulation of tylvalosin on disease caused by porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus alone in sows or in combination with Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in piglets

BackgroundThe effect of a water-soluble formulation of tylvalosin (Aivlosin® 625 mg/g granules) on disease caused by porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (Mhyop) was investigated in two animal studies. In a PRRSV challenge model in pregnant sows (n = 18), six sows received water medicated at target dose of 5 mg tylvalosin/kg body weight/day from 3 days prior to challenge until the end of gestation. Six sows were left untreated, with a third group remaining untreated and unchallenged. Sows were challenged with PRRSV-2 at approximately 85 days of gestation. Cytokines, viremia, viral shedding, sow reproductive parameters and piglet performance to weaning were evaluated. In a dual infection study (n = 16), piglets were challenged with Mhyop on days 0, 1 and 2, and with PRRSV-1 on day 14 and euthanized on day 24. From day 10 to 20, eight piglets received water medicated at target dose of 20 mg tylvalosin/kg body weight/day and eight piglets were left untreated. Cytokines, viremia, bacteriology and lung lesions were evaluated.ResultsIn the PRRSV challenge study in pregnant sows, tylvalosin significantly reduced the levels of serum IL-8 (P < 0.001), IL-12 (P = 0.032), TNFα (P < 0.001) and GM-CSF (P = 0.001). IL-8 (P = 0.100) tended to be lower in uterus of tylvalosin sows. All piglets from tylvalosin sows surviving to weaning were PRRSV negative in faecal swabs at weaning compared to 33.3% PRRSV positive piglets from untreated sows (P = 0.08).In the dual challenge study in piglet, tylvalosin reduced serum IL1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-1α, IL-13, IL-17A, IL-18, GM-CSF, TGFβ1, TNFα, CCL3L1, MIG, PEPCAM-1 (P < 0.001) and increased serum IFNα, IL-1ra and MIP-1b (P < 0.001). In the lungs, tylvalosin reduced IL-8, IL-10 and IL-12 compared to untreated pigs (P < 0.001) and tended to reduce TNFα (P = 0.082). Lung lavage samples from all tylvalosin treated piglets were negative for Mhyop (0 cfu/mL) compared to the untreated piglets which had mean Mhyop counts of 2.68 × 104 cfu/mL (P = 0.023).ConclusionOverall, tylvalosin reduced both local and systemic proinflammatory cytokines after challenge with respiratory pathogens in sows and in piglets. Tylvalosin was effective in reducing Mhyop recovery from the lungs and may reduce virus shedding in piglets following transplacental PRRSV infection in sows.

A blend of functional amino acids and grape polyphenols improves the pig capacity to cope with an inflammatory challenge caused by poor hygiene of housing conditions

BackgroundDietary supplementation with a blend of functional amino acids (AA) and grape extract polyphenols contributes to preserve intestinal health and growth performance of piglets during the post-weaning period. In the present experiment, we assessed if a supplementation with a mix of AA and grape extract polyphenols during the post-weaning period would persist to improve the pig capacity to cope with a subsequent challenge caused by poor hygiene of housing conditions. Eighty pigs weaned at 28 days of age were fed a standard diet supplemented (AAP) or not (CNT) with 0.2% of a blend of AA (glutamine, arginine, cystine, valine, isoleucine, and leucine) and grape extract polyphenols during the post-weaning period (from week 0 to 6). At week 6, pigs were transferred to a growing unit where 50% of pigs previously fed AAP and CNT diets were housed in good and the other 50% in poor hygiene conditions for 3 weeks (from week 7 to 9; challenge period). All pigs were fed a standard growing diet that was not supplemented with AAP. We measured pig growth performance, plasma indicators of inflammation, digestive integrity, and oxidative status, and scored fecal consistency. Differences were considered significant at P ≤ 0.05.ResultsOne week post-weaning, pigs fed AAP had lower plasma concentrations of haptoglobin than CNT pigs (P = 0.03). Six weeks post-weaning, plasma concentrations of diamine oxidase (DAO) were lower (P = 0.03) whereas those of vitamin E and A were greater (P ≤ 0.05) in pigs fed AAP compared to CNT pigs. The prevalence of diarrhea was higher in CNT pigs compared to AAP pigs (P < 0.01). During the challenge period, only pigs previously fed CNT diet had lower growth rate in poor than good conditions (P ≤ 0.05). They had also greater plasma concentrations of haptoglobin and oxidative stress index (OSI) and lower plasma concentrations of vitamin E in poor than good hygiene conditions (P ≤ 0.05).ConclusionsPigs fed AAP diet during post-weaning had less diarrhea and plasma concentrations of a digestive integrity marker, as well as greater plasma concentrations of antioxidant indicators during the post-weaning period. The beneficial effects of AAP supplementation persisted after the post-weaning period as evidenced by the absence of effects of the hygiene challenge on growth and health indicators in pigs previously fed APP. This clearly indicated a greater ability of pigs fed AAP to cope with the poor hygiene conditions.

Effects of Caffeine and Glucose Supplementation at Birth on Piglet Pre-Weaning Growth, Thermoregulation, and Survival.

Piglet pre-weaning mortality of approximately 15% represents a major economic and welfare concern to the pork industry. Supplementing neonatal piglets with glucose and/or caffeine has the potential to counteract hypoxic stress experienced during parturition and provide an energy substrate, which may improve survival to weaning. This study investigated the effects of caffeine and glucose supplementation at birth, in combination or separately, on piglet growth, thermoregulatory ability, and pre-weaning survival. At birth, 398 piglets were assigned to one of four oral treatments: saline, glucose (300 mg), caffeine (30 mg), or caffeine and glucose combined (30 mg caffeine and 300 mg glucose), dissolved in 6 mL saline. Piglets were tagged at birth, and time taken to reach the udder was recorded. Rectal temperatures were recorded at 4 h and 24 h post-partum, and body weights recorded at birth and 1, 3, and 18 days of age. Colostrum intake was estimated using birth and day 1 weights, and all pre-weaning mortalities were recorded. Treatments did not affect rectal temperature, colostrum intake, or pre-weaning mortality (p > 0.05). Low birth weight piglets (<0.9 kg) treated with caffeine and glucose had increased growth between 1 and 3 days of age (p < 0.05) compared to low birth weight piglets of other treatment groups. Caffeine supplementation alone reduced overall pre-weaning growth in low birth weight piglets compared to all other treatments (p = 0.05). Oral caffeine and glucose had no significant effect on piglet performance except in low birthweight piglets, where it improved growth in the first 3 days of life. Caffeine and glucose supplementation in combination may be beneficial for low birth weight piglets.

Effects of timing of grouping and split-weaning on growth performance and behaviour of piglets in a multi-suckling system

Variation in body weight (BW) of piglets at weaning is a drawback for successful implementation of multi-suckling (MS) systems. The current study investigated the combination of two intervention strategies, i.e. the timing of grouping and split-weaning, aiming to improve the BW gain of low birthweight piglets in an MS system and thereby reduce the BW variation at weaning on day 48 postpartum (p.p.). Eight batches of 5 sows with their litters were divided into 4 control (CTRL) and 4 treatment (TREAT) batches. In each litter, the second lowest (LBW) and highest (HBW) birthweight piglets from both sexes were selected as focal piglets. CTRL piglets were grouped on day 8 p.p. and no split-weaning was applied; TREAT piglets were grouped on day 13 p.p. and the three heaviest non-focal piglets per litter were split-weaned on day 35 p.p. Behaviour and feed intake were measured in focal piglets, and BW and mortality were measured in all piglets. Results showed that: (1) Throughout lactation there were no differences in BW or BW gain between CTRL and TREAT, nor were birthweight × treatment interactions found. (2) After grouping, there were no obvious differences between CTRL and TREAT in feeding and suckling behaviours on day 18, damage scores on snout, ear or tail and skin lesions on day 27, nor were birthweight × treatment interactions found. (3) After split-weaning, in week 6, piglets in TREAT tended to consume less feed than CTRL (P = 0.072). Low birthweight piglets in TREAT consumed numerically less feed and spent numerically less time contacting feed during the day than CTRL piglets. In week 6, there was a significant birthweight × treatment interaction in dry matter milk intake (P = 0.030), caused by a higher milk intake of TREAT-LBW piglets compared with CTRL-LBW piglets. In week 6, TREAT piglets tended to be present more at front and middle teats (P = 0.052) and tended to have lower snout damage scores (P = 0.084) than CTRL piglets. (4) Piglet crushing of all piglets in TREAT tended to be higher during the period when TREAT piglets were not yet grouped i.e. during days 9–14 than CTRL (P = 0.087). To conclude, split-weaning of the heavy piglets increased milk intake particularly of low birthweight piglets but this did not lead to a reduction in BW variation at weaning, as the increased milk intake was largely compensated for by a simultaneous decrease in feed intake.

The Effect of an Essential Oil Blend on Growth Performance, Intestinal Health, and Microbiota in Early-Weaned Piglets.

Essential oils (EO) are promising feed additives for their antibacterial, antioxidant, and immune-enhancing abilities with low toxicity. Carvacrol, thymol, and cinnamaldehyde are commonly used to synthesize EO. However, few studies focus on combining these three EO in early-weaned piglets. In the present study, 24 piglets weaned at 21 d of age were randomly divided into 2 groups (6 replicate pens per group, 2 piglets per pen). The piglets were fed a basal diet (the control group) and a basal diet supplemented with 400 mg/kg EO (a blend consisting of carvacrol, thymol, and cinnamaldehyde, the EO group) for 28 days. At the end of the experiment, one piglet per pen was randomly chosen to be sacrificed. Growth performance, hematology, plasma biochemical indices, antioxidant capacity, intestinal epithelial development and immunity, colonic volatile fatty acids (VFA), and microbiota were determined. The results indicated that the diet supplemented with EO significantly improved average daily feed intake (ADFI, p < 0.01) and average daily gain (ADG, p < 0.05) in the day 0 to 28 period. EO supplementation led to a significant decrease in plasma lysozyme (p < 0.05) and cortisol levels (p < 0.01). Additionally, EO significantly promoted jejunal goblet cells in the villus, jejunal mucosa ZO-1 mRNA expression, ileal villus height, and ileal villus height/crypt depth ratio in piglets (p < 0.05). The ileal mucosal TLR4 and NFκB p-p65/p65 protein expression were significantly inhibited in the EO group (p < 0.05). Colonic digesta microbiota analysis revealed that bacteria involving the Erysipelotrichaceae family, Holdemanella genus, Phascolarctobacterium genus, and Vibrio genus were enriched in the EO group. In conclusion, these findings indicate that the EO blend improves ADG and ADFI in the day 0 to 28 period, as well as intestinal epithelial development and intestinal immunity in early-weaned piglets, which provides a theoretical basis for the combined use of EO in weaned piglets.